Watney was the in-game reporter for Red Sox baseball on NESN since 2008, but she has local roots and is a former first runner-up in the Miss California pageant. Watney went to the University of San Diego, the same college as new Lakers coach Mike Brown.

The Lakers are moving from Fox Sports West and KCAL/9 after this NBA season to begin their massive programming deal with Time Warner Cable. It is worth an estimated $5 billion over 25 years (20 years with a five-year option after that).

Watney told The Globe via text message about her move: "Nothing is final and not dealing with it until I return (from vacation)." Her cousin is pro golfer Nick Watney. On Twitter, she is @HeidiWatney.

The Lakers have struck a 20-year deal with Time Warner Cable to broadcast their games on two new regional sports networks, including the nation's first Spanish-language regional sports network. The new networks are expected to be on all providers (DirecTV, DISH Network, various cable systems, etc.), not just Time Warner Cable.

The deal will take effect in the 2012-13 season and was announced Monday -- with the Lakers set to play in Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena, appropriately enough.

“The Buss family is thrilled to join forces with Time Warner Cable in building the TV home for Lakers fans," Lakers owner Jerry Buss said in a statement. “Time Warner Cable has been producing quality sports programming for over a decade and the Lakers have been producing championship seasons for even longer. I am particularly proud of being part of the first ever Spanish-language RSN in the country. Together I'm confident we will delight our fans.”

The deal promises to be a rich one for the high-profile Lakers, who have had their games on KCAL/9 and Fox Sports West.

“This long-term agreement represents a huge win for all Lakers fans, providing destination channels, more content and more platforms for the Lakers, one of the premier brands in professional sports today,” said Glenn Britt, Time Warner Cable's Chairman and CEO.